The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter and, of course, giving the perfect gifts. And the gifts on everyone’s wish lists are smart toys like a cuddly teddy bear with voice recognition or a tablet with games you can play with friends. These smart toys come with awesome features to enhance playtime but with great features comes great responsibility.

Why Some Smart Toys Can Be Risky

Smart toys include technology that collects data as you play to provide enhanced, personalized user experiences.

Just like any other smart device, toys can be vulnerable to hacking. If not properly secured, hackers could potentially access personal information or even communicate with children.

Since the smart toy industry is relatively new, there isn’t comprehensive or consistent regulation. To help kids stay safe, take a look at our tips below.

Tips to Safeguard Children's Privacy and Security

Do Your Homework: Before purchasing a smart toy, do some research. Look for reviews regarding privacy and security concerns. Opt for brands that prioritize these aspects.

Update Software Regularly: Toys need updates too. Ensure that the toy's software is always up-to-date. Manufacturers release new updates that address security vulnerabilities.

Less Is More: If a toy wants your life story, maybe reconsider. Only give up what's necessary…and let's keep bank details far, far away.

Review Privacy Settings: Many smart toys come with built-in privacy settings. Take some time to review and adjust these settings according to your comfort level.

Monitor Usage: Keep an eye on how your child interacts with the toy. Ensure they understand not to share personal information or engage in conversations that seem suspicious.

Secure Home Network: If the toy connects to your home Wi-Fi, make sure your network is secure. Use strong passwords, enable encryption, and consider setting up a separate network for smart devices.

To wrap it up, smart toys are the new wave, but that does not mean you have to get rid of your life vest. Let's keep our kids safe, our Wi-Fi secure, and our peace of mind intact. If you are looking for more ways to protect your devices online

or cybersecurity tips for your kids to keep them safe online, check out some of our other cybersafety articles!